Physician Assistant Studies and Services

General Information

Program Objectives

After completion of the 28-month program, the PA will be able to perform tasks of health care management presently performed by the primary care physician, thereby allowing the physician greater freedom and time for more complicated medical problems. The PA will act in a professional manner, practice good interpersonal and communication skills, teach and counsel effectively, organize and integrate appropriate patient data, be sensitive to the effects of illness on the patient and family, and, at all times, demonstrate an awareness of situations that require reference to the supervising physician.

The University of Iowa's Physician Assistant Program has a student attrition rate below the national average. Upon graduation, the graduates have a 100% employment rate.

NCCPA Examination Performance

Since 1974, The University of Iowa PA graduates have enjoyed outstanding achievement on the National Certifying Examination for Physician Assistants (PANCE), consistently performing among the top 5-10% of all programs in the country each year. Since 1974 the graduates of The University of Iowa have enjoyed a first-time pass rate of greater than 99.99% compared to the national average of 85% during this same time period. No graduates have failed the exam since 1996. In addition, no class has fallen below the national mean on any of the 13 organ system or 7 task content areas. For the most recent performance reports of PA graduates, the University of Iowa PA Class of 2013 achieved a 100% pass rate compared to the national pass rate of 94%.

Accreditation

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued to the University of Iowa Physician Assistant Program sponsored by University of Iowa. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accreditated program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2020. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Standards and ARC-PA policy.

Program Calendar

Accept Applications: April (date established by CASPA)Deadline for Applications: November 1Interviews: Rolling admissions, beginning in September, continuing through January.Notification: At conclusion of interview cycle. Classes Begin: August

The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment and in its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preference. The University also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to University facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact:

If you are a person with a disability who requires reasonable accommodations in order to participate in this program, please contact the Physician Assistant Program at 319-335-8922 to discuss your needs.